Anders to serve as commission chair

Brad Anders (by Dan Andrews)

Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders was picked Tuesday in a close vote to serve as commission chairman, a position he sought this time last year and narrowly lost.

He’ll replace Tony Norman, who stepped down from the spot but will continue to serve as a commissioner.

Anders, who will wield the gavel for the next 12 months, said one of his top priorities include reaching out to top leaders on the Knox County School Board “and try to have open dialogue and improve the public perception of ‘us against them.’”   

He added that he would continue holding monthly work session and monthly commission luncheons, which give officials a chance to meet with department heads and other local leaders to talk more about county business.

The board picked Anders over R. Larry Smith, the vice chairman for the past year, in a 6-4 vote during its annual reorganizational meeting.

Commissioners Sam McKenzie, Amy Broyles, Anders, Mike Brown, Mike Hammond and Ed Shouse   supported Anders. Commissioners Dave Wright, Jeff Ownby, Tony Norman, Smith and picked Smith.

Commissioner Richard Briggs, a surgeon, was out of town on a medical trip.

 “Brad is going to do a great job and I look forward to working with him,” said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.

The commission chairman runs the meetings, sets the monthly agenda and oversees the board's three-member staff. The position also works closely with the county's law department, mayor, school superintendent and the chairperson for the Knox County Board of Education.

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